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New York City Plans to Ban Big Gulp Soft Drinks

New Yorkers might soon be trading their Big Gulps for kiddie cups. Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to outlaw the large-sized sodas and sugary drinks at his city’s restaurants, movie theaters, sports arenas, and delis in an effort to combat obesity.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to outlaw the large-sized sodas and sugary drinks at his city’s restaurants, movie theaters, sports arenas, and delis in an effort to combat obesity, reports The New York Times. The proposed ban, which is the latest in a long line of health-based initiatives from the mayor, would bar the sale of sweetened beverages larger than 16 ounces.

“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible,’” Bloomberg told The New York Times. “New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something.”

The mayor’s proposed portion-control legislation would be the first of its kind in the country, and could take effect as early as next March, if approved by New York’s Board of Health.

But not everyone is pushing for the ban’s approval. Opponents on Twitter refer to the mayor as “nanny Bloomberg” and “big brother,” citing the effort as infringing on consumer rights. Stefan Friedman, a spokesperson for the New York City Beverage Association, called the mayor’s initiative as “zealous” and “over the top.”

Others point out oversights of the proposed ban, as it excludes sales at grocery or convenience stores, and would not limit the sale of diet sodas, alcoholic beverages, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or fruit juices.

What do you think of the proposed soda ban? Is Bloomberg going too far —or not far enough?